Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace
SNAP Washington or Basic Food helps low-income families and individuals in Washington eat healthier by providing them with basic food benefits.
Benefits depend on how many people are in your household and your income. Living expenses can be as high as $348 per month for a family with three members.
What Is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, offers food benefits, access, and education in food preparation and nutrition for low-income households. The benefits, which are a type of ATM card and electronic card, can be used to purchase eligible food at authorized retail food shops.
In short, SNAP is the largest domestic hunger safety net program. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), a state agency that works with nutrition educators and neighborhood and faith-based groups, ensure that all those who are eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed choices about how to apply and have access to benefits.
Eligibility Requirements For Washington SNAP
To be eligible for Basic Food, or SNAP assistance program, in Washington, you must meet these eligibility requirements:
- Washington Legal Residents
- You can be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent residence
- Show proof of identity
- Respect certain income guidelines
- You have less than $5,000 of resources
If you are a legal immigrant and meet all of the Basic Food requirements, except for citizenship or alien status, you may be eligible to apply for the Food Assistance Program instead.
Only King County imposes work restrictions on able-bodied SNAP recipients ages 18 to 49 without dependents. Those who live on the Muckleshoot Reservation, however, are exempt.
Income Limit For Food Stamps In Washington
Washington State’s food stamp program is available to most families with a gross income of up to 130% of federal poverty. This amount is roughly $2,380 per month for a family.
Application For SNAP In Washington
Send in your application to a local DSHS Community Services Office by hand, mail, online, or through the Washington Connection. Or offline if the Mobile Community Services Office will be in town.
The online application for the Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Children, Youth and Families, and Healthcare Authority is available. This process can take up to an hour, depending on your household circumstances. After the process is complete, an appropriate agency will receive an electronic copy.
The agency will schedule an interview to prove your eligibility. After the verification of your application, the decision will be within 30 days.
Using Washington EBT out of state
You use SNAP benefits through your EBT card. This means you can use your Washington EBT anywhere in the United States that accepts EBT cards, including Guam and the District of Columbia.
